LOCAL & GENERAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2105, 28 June 1894, Page 15

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Lieutenant Mathers, of the Salvation Army, gave an account on Thursday of his experiences as a jockey, and of his subsequent convers on, before a large gathering of members of the Army and others. He had nothing of a very surprising nature to recount, but appears to have met with i full share of accidents during his career as a jjokey. Bjcoming restless at home he ran away and took to horse-breakiug, and fiually became a stockrider, when he was converted. The address was listened to very attentively. An Aucklan 1 telegram states that representatives of the Auckland Ministers' Association went on board the Alameda and welcomed Dr Talmage to Auckland, as also did the officers of the Young Men's Christian Association. Dr Talmage had only time to go from the steamer to the lecoure platform at the Opera House, where he lectured on " The Bright Side of Things "to a crowded audience, and received an enthusiastic reception. A deputation of ministers wait upon him to ask him to preach on Sunday. A meeting of the congregation of Kuox Church was held on Thursday evening, with a view to take steps to fill the vacancy in the pastoral charge created by the death of the Key. Dr Stuart. There was a large attendance, and the Rev. Dr Dunlop (interim moderator of the congregation) presided. A resolution expressive of the deep sorrow of the congregation at the death of tte late pastor was proposed by Dr Hislop and carried by unanimous consent. Mr E. B. Cargill then moved that a committee of seven members should be chosen bj' the congregation, to be associate 1 with the officebearers in providing pulpit supply and in taking steps to fill the vacancy. Mr J. A. Torrance seconded the motion. Mr W. HutcbisoD, M.H.R , proposed, as an amendmant, and Mr J. M. Fraser seconded, that a committee of 15 members should be chosen for the purpose indicated in the motion, and that office-bearers should be included iv thai) numbtr. Mr J. L. Giliies submitted a further amendment, which was seconded by Mr T. Ireland, to the effect that the till jc- bearers should appoint a persou to the pastoral charge of the congregation pending the selection of a permanent minister, and that members should submit the names of ministers whom they desired to hear as candidates for the pastorate After a discussion, in which the Hon. W. D. Stewart, M L.C., Mr J. Dovio, and Dr Black took part, Mr Gi'lieb's amendment was put and carried as against Mr Hutchison's, but when put against the motion -was lost, the original proposal being affirmed by a large majority. She Rev. J. Ryley, Dr Bhand, Messrs Dalgleish, Given, Edgar, Gillies, and C. Moore were selected as "the congregation's committee. " The Lyttelton Times states that the Rev. Dr Lamb has resigned his connection with the New Hebrides Mission pending a further meeting of the Foreign Missions Committee. During the recent trials of fortune-tellers at Wellington, the Chief Justice put a hypothetical case to the inspector as to the possible ulterior objects persons might have in going to those fortune-tellers who carry on their trade in some of the dingy back slums of the town. Supposing, ho 6aid, a servant girl went there to get her fortune told, and was iLformed of her future prospects- a vice dark young man, plenty of money, and so on, that a nice young gill like her should^ be driving about iv a carriage instead of washing pots iv a kitchen, was there anything of that kijd going on? laspector Pender sa ; d that what was suspected was something very much wor^e than that. The places where people of the fortuue-telliug fraternity lived did not come within the police idea of "respectable houses." They were quite the reverse. Apart from supposed fortunetelling, it was alleged that pome of the houses were mere places of decoy for young girls and others. He did not allude to any place in particular, or to the cases that were before the court, they being beside the question. Professor Sde has bctn appoiuted by the Professorial Board of the University of Otago as their representative on the University Council, in succession to the late Dr Stuart, whose death created the first vacincy which the professors of the institution have had the right of filliDg. The Invercargill branch of the W C.T U, passed a resolution thanking the Licensing Committee for faithfully fulfilling the duties which they were elected to carry out, and sympathising with the members in the difficulties of the task imposed upon them ; atd further : "As it is woll-known and acknowledged by all that women acd children are the greatest sufferers from the drink traffic, we appeal to every man who sincerely desires the good of his country, or who sympathises with the sufferings of the weak and helpless, to assist us in carrying out our purpose, knowing that the heartfelt thanks of thousands of the innocent victims of the trade, will recompense him sufficiently for any self-denial he may have to practise. Seeing the committee have been publicly threatened that their tiade in future will be seriously

affected in consequence of the tearless mauner in which they have performed their duty, we trust that all who have the good of the tern perance cause at heart will do their best to counteract any such acbion by giving members their support and patronage. They will thus give practical proof of their sincerity in voting reduction." At the Young Women's Christian Association Rooms on Thursday Dr Will delivered the first of a course of lectures to women on " First Aid." The lecture was the first of the St. John series, and wa3 of an introductory character. It was listened to with great attention by thoae present. The class was a very large one, over 60 haviDg been enrolled. The publican at Johnsonville, Wellington, who was charged with refusing to give accommodation to a traveller, got off because the said traveller asked for a "shakedown," which was interpreted by the licensee's wife to mean a free bed. The Salvation Army is extending its operations to Java, Japan, and Damerara, and the War Cry states that an officer has been told off to pioneer the way for the opening of Gibralta, Malta, Port Said, Alexandria, and Jerusalem. At a great demonstration recently held in London, at which Commissioner Coombs, who had just returned from Australia, was present, that offiaer expressed his thanks to Australia for the splendid assistance it had given, and alluded, amidst great applause, to the Australian contributions as subsidies to salvation. At last week's meeting of the Benevolenb Institution Trustees the secretary reported that; the cost for maintenance of the institution during the month of May was £303 4s 3d. There were 243 inmates, who were maintained at an average cost of 53 7d per head per week. The Visiting Committee reported that one of the inmates had been guilty of disorderly conduct and of using abusive language. On the recommendation of the committee is was decided to stop the man's tobacco for two months and not to allow him out for three months. Some 60 relief cases were dealt witb. *^ Mr Thomas Hansen, a very old colonist of New Zealand, died at Russell, Bay of Islands, last week (says the Auckland Star), at the age of 76 years. Mr Elanscn was born in the year 1818 at Te Puua, the first mission station in New Zealand. His father first came to New Zealand in 1814, Captain Hansen,tha deceased's grandfather, bung in command of the schooner Active, which brought across from Sydney Messrs Sdtnuel Marsden, King. Kemp, Kemble, and others, the first missionaries in New Zealand. The Hansens settled at Te Puna in 1815. At this historic spot the deceased's sister, Mrs iMhbridge, who is still residing y.t Te Puna, was born, she being the first European boru in New Zealand. The late Thomas Hansen left the Bay of Islands diskiot for Sydney for several years, but returned raauy years ago, and settled permanently at the Bay. He bad a cattle station at. Mimiwhangata for over 20 years. Mr Han-en was an excellent Maori linguist. Mrs Olive Schreiner has had the courage to do what many women, and tneu too, have, talked about. She has kept her own uamn, aud her husband has added hers to his ; he is Mr Cronwright Schreiner, and she is Mrs Olive Schreiner. In this case the reasons and advantage* are obvious — she has an almost world-wide reputation ; he is only making his. The alternative that remained to her — that of always adding ii nee Schreiner," as is the French, German, and Dutch custom, is cumbersome. Mr Cron wright Schreiner is a man of as advanced and progressive opinions as his wife. Rudyard Kipling speaks thus of the British Empire :— " Worth study ! I was almost going to say it is the only thiDg worth study. At any rate, the more I see of this planet the more I know the bigness — no, not the bigncsp, the greatness — of England. Why, you don't know how great you are. You don't discover that in Fleet street and Piccadilly. But go abroad, get outside Britain, and then you begin to realise its s:z 3. The other peoples feel it keenly enough. The great lazy giant has only to turn in hiij sleep, and he sets their nerves all aquiver to know what he is doing. He turns round again and drops off with a snore ; huh he has broken thtir rest for the night. This is one of the things you fiod when you post yourself just on the other side of the rim of the Empire, as I have done " •{"The only fccMou of Crown lauds disposed of at the Dnnedin office last week was section 16, block XIV (Ponaahaka Downs estate), 159 acre?, to Mary Chapman, on lease iv perpetuity, at an annual rental of 3s 3d p~r acre. A meeting of subscribers to the fund which has been raised for assisting the unfortunate mau Jesse Hounson, who recently lost both his hinds as the result of a tram accident, was held in the Town Hall on Friday even'ng. The Mayor (Mr H. S. Fisb) presided, and there were about' a dozen g-.ntlemen present. Subscriptions were reported to the amount of about £120 exclusive of a list from tho Evening Star offise. After some discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Davidson, seconded by Mr H. Carnie, to appoint Messrs S. M 'Donald, W. Owen, and W. H. Smith trustees of the fund with power to collect the moneys alrsady subscribed ant! to be subscribed, and ul*iraately to dispose of the fund in the manner they believe to ba most expedient in the interests of the family. At the iuqusst held toushing the death of Charles Henderson, a settler at Odtiins, before Mr G. Dabinetl, J.P., the dutha Leader reports that the evidence showed that deceased declined to go to work, and had acted queerly for some time past. A verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned. Messrs Reynolds Driver (American Consul) and J. Coouey (of Oamiru) have been added to the commission of the peace. A sacred concert was given by the Green Island Presbyterian Church choir in the Green Islaud Presbyterian Church on Wednesday evening, 20.h. The Rev. Dr Watt presided. The attendanca was a fairly large one, but was scarcely commensurate with the merits of the excellent programme provided ; no doubt the unfavourable weather and the bad state of the roads were responsible for this. Proceedings opeued with prayer, after which Mr J. O. Easfcon played an orgaa solo "Deus Tibi," and at a later stage in the evening played "The Hallelujah Chorus." The choir during the evening rendered a number of anthems in a manner which must have been gratifying to Mr Buchanan (the conductor) and Mi3s Thomson (the orgauist), who were t-ssiduous in their efforts for the sueces3 of Ihs aff Air. Mr J. L. Miller gavn a tasteful rendering of the solo "Charity," Misi Mary L-Juden sang "Side by side to the Bettor Land " in an admirable manner, and Miss Nelllo Mason was very successful iv her solo "The sound of revelry," taken from the cantata " Joseph." Miss Thomson's solo '•'• Pax vobiscuru" was certainly one of the features of the eutertaiutnent. It wa9 sung with much expression aud a considerable amount of feeling, which fairly won the admiration of the audience. The duet "I'll guard

well" received ample justice at the hands of Miss Nellie Mason and Mr J. L. Miller. A quintet and a couple' of quartets were rendered in a creditable manner by choir members during the evening. At the conclusion, Mr Graham, in a few complimentary remarks, congratulated the choir on providing such an excellent programme. A vote of thanks was then passed to tho performers, after which proceedings were brought to a close by the Rev. Dr Watt pronouncing the benediction. A most enjoyable entertainment was given in th« Upper Junction Schoolhouse on Wednesday, 20th, to a crowded house in aid of the school fund. The performers wore — Misses Blakoly and Wordsworth and Messrs Mathews, Dickie, and Scott, who all sang in capital style. The comic business was Bupplied by Messrs Andrew and James Swan and Bert^Hanlon, the latter two deserving great credit for the manner in which they worked despite so many calls being made upon them. Mr Green was chairman. The room was afterwards cleared for dancing. A young woman named Mary M'Aulay attempted to commit suicide early on Saturday morning by swallowing a quantity of laudanum. Dr Barnett was summoned by tho police, and after administering the usual remedies the woman was removed to the hospital. She appeared to be out of danger when Dr Barnett left her, but on reaching the hospital she collapsed aguin, but eubsr quently rallied and is now making satisfactory progress towards recovery, though she is still an inmate of the hospital. She waß residing with her sister, Mrs Wy Gee, who keeps a Chinese boarding house in Walker street. The Rev. J. J. Lewis gave the second of his series of lectures to young men in Trinity Wesleyan Church, Stuart street, on Sunday night. The inclement weather interfered with the attendance, but a fairly large number of young men formed part of the congregation. The lecture was again based on the parable of the prodigal son, the title being " Full «Bpeed." The preacher portrayed the danger of wealth in the hands of anyone who does not know how to use it. He said the pursuit of worldly objects was like the light which was said to haunt some marshes, so volatile that the slightest breath caused it to vanish. A picture was drawn of the young man going forth with well-filled pockets, having turned his back on his father, hU home, his childhood's innocence, and his God. It was one of tho worst traits in a young man's character to be ashamed of his parents, aud it was a correspondingly good feature to be aoxious to take such a position in the world as would rilake his parents proud of him. It was clear where the haunts of such a young man as was portrayed in the parable would be. Ho would be the victim of intemperance, gambling, and sensuality. The preacher concluded with an earnest appeal to all young men to determine to lead that life in which the only true happiness is to be found — the life of a Christian. An unfortunate man, left alone on a desert island, was found dead in a terrible condition by the captain of the Sydney brigantine L' Avvenire, which recently arrived at Honolulu from Newcastle. The L' Avvenire called at Laysan Island for provisions on April 15. On landing at the island, Captain Jamieson, of the brigantine, entered the only house, and saw the body of a ■man sitting in a chair with one hand resting on a table, and clasping a small book. The body was in an advanced stage of decomposition, and the captain judged that the man had been dead for at least two weeks. He at once ordered a grave to be' dug, and with his own hands placed the body in it. the sailors absolutely refusing to touch it. The captain then collected the effects of the dead man, which consisted of a compass, quadrant, a watch and chain, a book, and some papers, including a letter addressed to his employer (Captain Freath), aud then sailed away. In the book the unfortunate man, who it was subsequently discovered was a German named Hans Holstein, had made daily entries of happenings. He wrote in German, and said but little about his illness, so the cause of his death will never be determined. The last entry made by him was on March 30, when he wrote : " I cannot write any more." Captain Jamieson heard at Honolulu that the deceased had been employed by Mr Freath to live on Laysan Island, and had been on the island for about six months. A curious incident occurred in tho Sydney Central Criminal Court the other day. George Martin, a youth, had been tried and found not guilty of larceny of money, clothes, and jewellery. To the astonishment of all present, after the verdict had been given the prisoner said : • ' Your Honor, I stole those things " (pointing to property which had been given up by a pawnbroker) ; " I got into the house at 4 o'clock in the morning." The jurymen were evidently confused and amused. " Well," said his Honor, "nothing can be done now. You are discharged." At this stage the gaoler interposed. "He's now serving a sentence, your Honor," said that official; so young Martin descended beneath the dock. Mr Justice Innes gave some comfort to the jury by telling them that it was just possible Martin was endeavouring to* shield a " pal," who by-and-bye might be charged with being concerned in the same offence. Mr J. D. M'Clure, M.A>, in the course of a recent address at Highgate, snid :— " There is a growing tendency amoDgst m, I thiok, to take things easily. Books are no U3e to us; we only want abstracts. We cannot bear to read even a column of the newspaper unless it is broken up for us into sensational headings. We want, in other words, our knowledge ou t*ie tit-bit 3 principle — short paragraphs of a few lines. But the effort to acquire, the effort t > master this ssems to be lost sight of, and f o we find people advertising • paintiag in 12 lessons,' French or German in three months. These are h"deous travesties, gigaatio lies — it is impossible. There is only one rule for mental effort as for bodily and spiritual strength : ib is enduring hardship. Did it ever occur fcb you why you had so many different subjects to learn at school? Oiio reason — i am sure it is a correct one— is because it is an entirely right and proper thing that every child— yes, and every man and woman — every day of his life should be forced to do something that he heartily dislikes and wouM gladly get rid of if he could. It i 3 a principle of all education ; without it all true strength and manlines3 are absolutely impossible. You perhaps think it is a hard saying ; the day will come when you will realise it. If you are prepared to labour, Nature — and Nature only means God — will pour out to you her treasures ; but otherwise they will be for ever shut up." Mr Earle's cew work on " Customs and Fashions in New England in the Olden Times" gives a'nobable picture of early Puritan life in New England. Here is a short extract (quoted from tho "Church Quarterly") describing the laws relating to Puntau bachelors.- — "la tho infant 4 a y 3 of New England bachelors — confirmed ones ■ — fouud themselves in a sad plight. Raro as they were, they were looked upon with intense scorn aud disfavour by the whole community. If a man was not married, lad'eß, lawyers, parsons, and laymen were all against him. He was a

suspected character. There mustb?. something wrong with a mau who did not *et about getting a wife in a land where such a blessing was so essential. Confirmed bachdors w.ere not often allowed to live alone, or to make themselves comfoctable where they chose, but had to take up their abode wherever and with whomsoever tho « Court ' thought fit. In Hartford they had to pay a fiae of 20a a week ! apparently in order that the single blisß of these ' lono men ' might not advantage them by saving the cost of a wife. On the other hand, the mysteriously comic regulation of Eastham, a Massachusetts town, in 1695, seems to be more concerned about the killing of crows and blackbirds than about the promotion of marriages : • Every unmarried man in the township shall kill six blackbirds or three crows while he remains single ; as a psnalty for not doing it, shall not be married till he obey this order.' " Two burglars met with rather a rough reception at Burnley, Victoria, at the hands of a man named John Donnelly. He was awakened by his dog barking, and going out into the yard discovered two burglars there. Without hesitation he picked up a pitchfork, and attacked them with such vigour that they were soon rendered insensible. He then harnessed uphis horse and drove the men to the * Richmond police station, whore ho handed them over to the custody of the police. Their" names are Ike Solomon and William Mills. The public meeting in the Princess Theatre on Monday evening, which was convened for the purpose of urging the Government to float a loan in Great Britain to expedite the prosecution of the arterial railway system in both island?, did not terminate in the way which was hoped, and probably expected, by the promoters. The opponents of a borrowing policy mustered strongly, and the theatre was crowded with electors, including a considerable number of women. The mayor presided, and the first of the series of resolutions which had been prepared was submitted by Mr 3. N. Brown, who was subjected to a good deal of interruption towards the close of his speech. . Mr E. B. Cargill, on rising to second the resolution, which generally expressed the opinion that the time had arrived for raising a loan to be devoted to completing works which were likely to be of a reproductive character, was greeted with some rudeness, but a reminder to the audience of the share which he had taken in public affairs in the past had the effect of silenciDg the interruption and of securing to him a respectful hearing. Mr R. L. Stanford followed with a speech eulogistic of the present Governmentand with an amendment, which, while deprecating recourse being had to the London money market, suggested a mild form of borrowing within the colony, and called in question the action of the three Australian banks trading in New Zealand. • Until after Mr Stanford had concluded his speech the meeting was fairly orderly, but when Mr James Rattray took up the ruuuing it became decidedly disorderly. The explanation of this undoubtedly consisted in the fact that Mr Rattray'a remarks not only were not heard at the back of the theatre, but were inaudible even in the front seats of the stalls. Mr Rwtray'u infirmity rendered him unconscious of the fact that his audience, not hearing a word he uttered, were roaring at him to " speak up," aud as he continued in a confidential tone to express his views to the front benches, the disorderliness of the meeting, took the form of laughter. Eventually the Mayor let Mr Rattray understand that not a word he said was being heard, and the speaker, realising the situation, politely bowed to the audience and resumed his seat. The Hon. Dowfiie Stewart, who spoke I briefly but strongly against borrowing, was received with some expressions of disfavour, one individual in the stalls being particularly emphatic in his declaration that the Legislative Councillor had assisted to introduce the borrowing policy of the past, and was therefore, no doubt, unworthy of respect at the present time. Mr Downie Stewart had accomplished a rapid descent from the dress circle to the stage, and as he made his exit to the higher regions he was succeeded behind the footlights by a gentleman who mysteriously appeared from the wings, and who, balancing himself first ou one foot and then on the other, while in his hand ho brandished a pair of spectacles and his hat, tho latter being, however, laid aside in response to a cry from the audience, expressed a strong desire to examine Mr S. N. Brown. That gentleman, on being appealed to, was, however, disinclined to undergo tho operation, and the meeting then declared that it had had enough of the speaker. Mr A. " Bathgate endeavoured to bring the electors back to reasoa, reminding them that the question was one of borrowing or non-borrowing, acd, upon his sitting down, a howl of delight welcomed Mr D. Nicol, as that ardent politician advanced to the front. He resigned his claim, however, to Mr F. M Lester, who, with the advantage of a clear, ringing voice, gained an attentive and appreciative hearing for a speech in opposition to the motion. Mr Nicol then had his turn, after which Mr H. E. Muir submitted a further amendment, which was to the effect that there should be no borrowing until an appeal had been made to the country ou tho question. Tais, on be'mg put, was declared to be lost— a decision by the mayor which gave rue to grave dissatisfaction— aud Mr Stanford's amendment, shorn by his Worship of one clause, was allowed to go by default. After an appeal by Mr J. F. M. Fraser to the meeting to vote aa oue man against the original proposal, the motion waa pu 1 : and lo3t by a Urge— it is contended by some, an overwhelming— majority. There was no occasion to proceed with the other resolutions which had been framed. Sir George Grey (writes our London correspondent) has been interviewed by a representative of the Woman's Signal on the question of female suffrage. He stated tha 1 ". although he had alwajs been ia favour of it, he had hesitat'-d to force ou the qaestion b3 r ore tho time was ripe, lest it should be carried by only a smill majority, which would have meant having to fight the battle all over again. Now, however^he feels confident thai; the female franchise has come to stay. But Sir George went further, and declared his conviction that the reform could not stop short at the mere enfranchisement of women. Ho advocates " a properly constituted chamber coaipsspd entirely of women, to which all bilh piasod by Parliament should b3 remitted, no bill to pa3s into law without the conseut of tho House of Ladies." A Sheffield paper re m irks : "This is a chaDge so stupendous that we ruuet ask time to recover our breath bafore venturing an opinion on the matter " Black aud White has a capital likeness of Sir Georgo Gtey, and a short biography of " New Zealand's U.0.M."

I have just received (writes cur London correspondent) the following from Mr B:ndi-< ILU'euslein, which will bo read with interest by his many fiieuds in all pares ot Now Zealand. It is dated from GOjgiagen, Augsberg, on the 16th May :— •' Sinse our retnrn from ths East (beginning of April) T hwo b:-en staying with my wi ? i>, ia Mi- Ilssning'd famous institute for the treatment of brokea legs aud alt kinds of bone diseases, which he cures bj

mechanical arraugoments — called here ' Apparat.' I have been having one of these for my lame leg, and, though broken 20 years ago and with, hardly a movement in my ankle joint, I am glad to say that I can gradually bend my foot, and can nbw walk much easier than formerly. I do not think we shall stay much longer, as we intend shortly to go on a visit to our friends in Germany. Our Eastern trip proved very interesting and enjoyable. Besides my wife and daughter a cousin and a nephew of ours travelled with us, so that we made a nice little party of five. After a short stay at Cairo we went up the Nile and afterwards through Palestine and Syria, travelling overland on horseback, and with mules Colly equipped with tents and provisions ; from Jerusalem to Damascus, and thence, via Baalbec, to Beyrouth. At the latter place we took the steamer for Greece, which country we just fortunately left before the earthquakes commenced. Unhappy Greece 1 How much it has suffered, and how nobly the King and his wife try to alleviate the sufferings. I thought the King and his wife looked nice people. We often met them walking in the streets of Athens amongst the crowd, plainly dressed. We intend returning to New Zealand about September, but I do not know yet whether it will be via San Francisco or via Brindisi and Melbourne. I shall do myself the pleasure of looking you tip when we come to England, late in the season. This is not a very interesting place, "yet we enjoy daily walks amongst the green meadows, where buttercups and daisies charm the sight." During the hearing of the " lousy " sheep cases at the Magistrate's Court, Gore, Stock Inspector Turner said he wished to warn farmers and drovers that they were liable to a penalty of not less than £2 and up to £100 for driving sheep infected with lice on any high road without permission. He wished this to be generally known, as the defendants that day were liable not only for exposing them in a public yard, but also for driving them along a highway. In the report on the increase in poverty presented to the Sydney Benevolent Society by the manager, Mr E. Maxted, it is pointed out' that as compared with the year 1888 there has been a large increase in each department of relief of the society during 1893. This has been especially the case with the aid afforded to unmarried women who have been treated in the maternity ward. He, however, does not attribute the increase to poverty so much aa to the greater immorality of the population. He states that nine-tenths of the unmarried mothers come from the servant girl class, of a type invariably thriftless, and of a low standard of intelligence. He believes that the number of this class of depend&nts on State bounty would be reduced if an enactment were passed legalising tho affiliation of the child before its birth, and allowing the directors to prosecute the father apart from the consent of the mother. ' Under the South Australian Electoral Reform Act, passed last session, 19 candidates out of 22 have made returns of their electoral expenses incurred during the campaign. The total amount expended in contesting three Legislative Council districts and ;one Assembly district was £3352, and the amount received by the candidates towards their election expenses was £778. The largest sum received by any candidate was £500, by Mr Fuller from Mr J. H. Angas, in the Central District. All the Labour candidates had their expenses paid. The three candidates who have not sent in their returns have rendered themselves liable to a penalty not exceeding £50. Their names are Messrs Cohen, Rounsevell, and Willcox. A well-attended meeting of the Theosophical Society was held in the A.M.P. Buildings on Monday evening. The programme consisted largely of the reading of extracts from various well-known authors making in favour of the theory of Reincarnation. These were interspersed with animated discussion, and proved highly interesting to those present. At Wellington on^ Monday Mr Justice Rich" mond said that he intended to assert the principle that bankrupts should pay something to their creditors, and not get off " scot free." In two small estates he ordered the applicants to pay £20 each. A special prayer'meetiDg, in connection with the aggressive work by the churches generally in the city, was held in the Hanover street Baptist Church on Monday evening. The Rev. A. H. North presided in the absence of the Rev. Mr Lay.cock, who was unable to be present. The meeting was a very earnest one, and among those who took part in it were the Revs. J. Gibb, J. Gibson Smith, R. Waddell, J. M. Fraser, and J. J. Lewis. This was the first of a series of such meetings to be held, and next week representatives of the churches uniting in the object intend visiting every house in the city and suburbs with a special view of reaching those who attend no place of worship, and to lay hold of children who go to no Sunday school, and induce their parents or guardians to send them. A similar meeting to that of Monday night was held in Knox Church on Tuesday evening. At the meeting of hotelkeepers and others interested held on Tuesday afternoon at the Provincial Hotel the attendance was the largest on record. It was resolved to prepare a monster petition to Parliament, asking that the present Licencing Act should not be interfered with during the present session of Parliament, but that it should have a fair trial to see how it works. It was resolved — " That this meeting express its deep sympathy with those unfortunate people who, without any fault of their own, have been deprived of their licenses and means of livelihood through the action of the Licensing Committee." The executive reported that an organisation had been started in Wellington, and was being controlled therefrom through the whole of the colony, to be called the New Zealand Anti-prohibition League, and those present pledged themselves to further the same r-y every means in their power. The practical study of cookery has been added to the curriculum of the Auckland Girls' High School. The president of the Australasian Wesleyan Methodist Conference is a great admirer of the celebrated orator now lecturing in Auckland. Id conversation with our representative (says the New Zealand Herald) the Rev. W. Morley said : " During my visit to the United States in 1891 I availed myselE of the opportunity of hearing the Rev. Dr Talmage preach. It was an ordinary Sunday morning service in the Brooklyn Tabernacle, which has since been burned. The spacious building was crowded long before service began, and the partitions dividing the Tabernacle from the schoolroom being thrown open, some hundreds more found accommodation there. The usual order of Presbjteriau worship was observed, the singing, which was thoroughly congregational, and very hearty, being led by the magnificent orgaD, which was splendidly played. With the sermon I was greatly delighted. Humour and originality I expected from what I had read of Dr Talmage's published discourses, and these qualities were not lacking. But there was in ■ addition a fervour, simplicity, and directness which were most pleasing. The old Gospel ;

c*me with new force from the preacher's lip?, and admiration of the orator was lost in the impreasiveness of the message he delivered. I am looking forward to his visit; to these colonies with great interest, and think that both in his lectures and sermons a great treat may be expected." Mr Morley added that he hoped he should be able to stay to shake hands with Dr Talmage on his arrival. As a result of the efforts of the Dunedin centre of the St. John Ambulance Association the Railway Commissioners have given instructions for the manufacture of 100 boxes of first aid requisites at the Hillside Railway Workshops, to be placed in the brake vans as soon as they are completed. Large classes of men engaged on the railways are now receiving practical instruction from certificated members of the Railway Ambulance Corps, while special classes are being held by the Sb. John Association at the Hillside Workshops. The carnival and fancy fair at Mosgiel in aid of the building fund of the Romau Catholic Church has been brought to a close. Brisk business has been done each evening. The Mosgiel Brass Band played selections, Mr M'Lennan performed on the bagpipes, and songs were contributed by Mrs Taylor, Miss Macedo, and Masters Ward. The Venetian String Band played some selections on the closing evening. The children's dance, under the direction of Mies M'Lachlan, was one of the features of the carnival. The Rev. Father O'Neill, in returning thanks to all who had assisted in making the affair a success, announced that the amount realised would be about £225. We have to acknowledge receipt of the " Otago Girls* High School Magazine " for Juno, which in point of interest is equal to any yet issued. It opens with a brief reference to the death of Dr Stuart, and then follows a graphic description by an ex-pupil of a concert at which Rubeustein conducted and played, "Up the Roulcburn " and an account of a trip to Melbourne are both good in their way. The Blueskin ploughing match will be held on Mr Dicker's farm on Friday, July 6. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited) announce in our auction columns that the articles of association of the new company contain provision for the absolute safety of the proceeds of all consignments, these moneys being, we understand, placed to a special trust account.